BACKGROUND Poisoning is a global public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality. It is important to know the pattern and outcome of acute poisoning cases for proper planning, prevention and management of these cases. The aim of the study is to determine the mode (suicidal, accidental, homicidal) and type of poisoning in North Indian population; relation to age, sex, occupation, marital status; outcome of different type of poisons and requirement of ventilatory support in different type of poisonings. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study was conducted in Department of Medicine of a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 379 patients were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent. RESULTS Poisoning was more common among males (59.89%). Maximum number of patients were in the age group 21-30 years (40.63%) and consumption was found to be more prevalent in rural population (75.99%). Most of the patients were farmers and students. Most common types of poisoning were organophosphate (n=95, 25.07%), snake bite (n=77, 20.32%) followed by aluminium phosphide (n=71, 18.73%). Out of 379 patients, 318 (83.91%) improved while 61 (16.09%) expired. Mortality was highest in aluminium phosphide poisoning. Requirement of ventilatory support was most commonly associated with aluminium phosphide poisoning (37.89%) followed by organophosphate poisoning (28.42%). CONCLUSION Poisoning was more common in young males. Pesticides and snake bite were major causes of poisoning. Of the total, 318 improved while rest of the 61 expired. Mortality was higher with use of aluminium phosphide poisoning (57.38%), snake bite (21.31%) and organophosphate consumption (9.84%). Requirement of ventilator was most commonly associated with aluminium phosphide poisoning. We suggest strict statutory measures covering import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of pesticides. Training of peripheral health center personnel to manage cases of poisoning, to provide ventilatory support and escalation in public awareness about the importance of problem should be done.

No abstract